The BC SPCA says Kramer Lowe of Ladysmith has pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges and to violating a Wildlife Act regulation. The SPCA says 34 animals were removed from Lowe’s property in distress earlier this year. Photo courtesy BC SPCA.
A man from Ladysmith who had 34 animals removed from his property earlier this year has pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges and violating a Wildlife Act regulation.
BC SPCA Cst. Tina Heary says members went to the property of Kramer Lowe Jan. 18 after receiving a complaint about a large number of animals living in filthy conditions.
Investigators found animals in distress and removed cats, bearded dragons, boa constrictors, turtles, guinea pigs and other small animals.
One of the animals seized on the property included a reticulated python, which is listed under the province’s Controlled Alien Species regulation, which prohibits possession of animals posing a health and safety risk to people or the environment.
“The situation we encountered was very disturbing,” Heary said.
“There were rotting dead animals, extremely high levels of ammonia from urine, caked feces, overcrowded cages, murky aquariums and reptiles kept in inadequate enclosures without proper heat sources. Many of the animals also lacked access to proper food or water.”
Under the Protection of Cruelty to Animals Act, Lowe faces a maximum fine of $75,000 and up to two years in jail, along with a maximum lifetime ban on owning animals.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Nov. 2.
CHEK News
